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How to Obtain State Approval for Colleges and Universities in Montana

Establishing a college or university in Montana requires navigating the regulatory framework set by the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education. This guide provides a straightforward explanation of the steps necessary to obtain state approval, including submitting required documents and forms.

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Understanding the Regulatory Framework

The Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education oversees the approval of postsecondary institutions operating within the state. Approval is necessary to ensure institutions meet quality standards and protect student interests.

State Approval Readines

If you're new to state approval, start with our initial questionnaire. This provides a comprehensive understanding of your organization's readiness for state approval.

Our goal is to help you achieve successful approval from your state and ensure the process is as efficient and stress-free as possible for you and your team.

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Steps to Obtain State Approval

  1. Review Policy and Requirements
  • Review Montana Board of Regents Policy 221:
      • Familiarize yourself with the requirements outlined in Policy 221, which outlines the standards and processes for obtaining state authorization to operate a postsecondary institution in Montana.
  • Additional State Government Requirements:
      • Ensure compliance with Title 35 of the Montana Code Annotated, which requires out-of-state businesses to meet the registration requirements of the Montana Secretary of State’s Office.
      • Review the Montana Consumer Protection Act (Title 30, Chapter 14, Part 1, Montana Code Annotated) to avoid unfair or deceptive practices.
  1. Initial Inquiry and Account Creation
  • Initial Inquiry:
      • Contact the Montana State Authorization Compliance Officer for information on the application process and requirements.
      • Determine if your institution meets the basic eligibility criteria for licensure.
  • Create an Account:
      • If you do not have an account, create one on the Montana University System website.
  1. Application Process
  • Application Forms:
      • Obtain the necessary application forms from the Montana University System’s website or by contacting their office.
      • Prepare all required documentation as outlined in the application guidelines.
  • Required Documentation:
      • Institutional Plan: Include a detailed plan outlining the institution’s mission, goals, governance, and financial projections.
      • Curriculum Details: Provide comprehensive details, including course descriptions, credit hours, and program objectives.
      • Faculty Qualifications: Submit the qualifications and resumes of key faculty members.
      • Facilities Description: Describe the physical facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, and administrative offices.
      • Financial Stability Evidence: Provide evidence of financial stability, such as audited financial statements.
      • Surety Bond: New unaccredited institutions must post a surety bond to cover the license period.
  • Submission
      • Submit the completed application form and all required documentation to the Montana State Authorization Compliance Officer.
      • Pay the application fee as specified in the application instructions.
  1. Review Process
  • Administrative Review:
      • The Montana Board of Regents will conduct an administrative review to ensure all required documents are complete and meet the specified criteria.
  • Site Visit:
      • A site visit may be scheduled to inspect the institution’s facilities and verify the information provided in the application.
  • Evaluation:
      • The Board of Regents will evaluate the application based on the institution’s ability to meet educational standards, faculty qualifications, curriculum quality, and financial stability.
  • Approval Decision:
      • After reviewing and evaluating, the Board of Regents will decide on the institution’s approval.
      • The institution will receive a license to operate and advertise in Montana if approved.
  1. Post-Approval Requirements
  • Annual Registration:
      • Institutions must register annually with the Montana Board of Regents and provide updated information on their operations
  • License Renewal:
      • Licenses are reviewed periodically. Institutions must apply for renewal of licensure and pay the associated fees.
  • Compliance and Monitoring:
      • Institutions must comply with all state regulations and may be subject to periodic evaluations to ensure ongoing compliance.

Additional Requirements for Surety Bonds

  1. Surety Bond Form:
    • If required, institutions must complete the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education Surety Bond for Postsecondary Educational Institutions form and submit it to the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.
  2. Submission:

How Accreditation Expert Consulting Can Help

Accreditation Expert Consulting (AEC) offers services to assist institutions in obtaining state approval and ensuring ongoing compliance. Here’s how AEC can help:

  1. Expert Guidance on Regulatory Compliance
  • Regulatory Navigation: AEC provides detailed guidance on navigating Louisiana’s regulatory requirements and ensures your institution meets all state standards.
  • Compliance Check: Perform a thorough compliance check to ensure all application documents meet the Board’s criteria.
  1. Application Preparation and Submission
  • Form Completion: Assist in accurately completing the necessary application forms and compiling all required documentation.
  • Document Preparation: Help prepare essential documents, including institutional plans, curriculum details, and faculty qualifications
  1. Review and Feedback
  • Pre-submission Review: Conduct a pre-submission review of your application to identify and rectify potential issues.
  • Feedback and Revisions: Provide actionable feedback and assist with necessary revisions to strengthen your application.
  1. Liaison with the Louisiana Board of Regents
  • Communication: Act as a liaison between your institution and the Louisiana Board of Regents to ensure clear and effective communication.
  • Follow-up: Monitor the progress of your application and follow up as needed to expedite the approval process.
  1. Strategic Planning and Implementation
  • Strategic Planning: Develop a strategic plan to guide your institution through approval and ensure sustainable growth.
  • Implementation Support: Provide ongoing support to implement the approved programs and maintain compliance with state requirements.
  1. Training and Development
  • Faculty Training: Offer training sessions for faculty and staff on regulatory compliance and best practices in academic program development.
  • Administrative Support: To streamline the proposal submission and approval process, provide administrative support.

AEC Note

Obtaining state approval for colleges and universities in Montana involves a series of well-defined steps, from initial inquiry to application submission and evaluation by the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education. By following these steps and utilizing the support of Accreditation Expert Consulting (AEC), institutions can efficiently navigate the approval process, ensure compliance with state regulations, and focus on delivering high-quality education to their students. AEC’s comprehensive services, including expert guidance, application preparation, review and feedback, liaison with the Board of Regents, strategic planning, and training, provide valuable support to institutions seeking state authorization and continuous improvement.

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